Areas of Plymouth could become designated 'temporary stops' for travellers in a bid to stop them hogging council land.

The controversial move, being considered by the authority as it looks to get tough on travellers seizing playing fields and other green space it owns, would allow camps to stay in one place for a short period without fear of eviction or legal action.

It's not yet known which sites in the city could become designated temporary stopping places (TSPs) or negotiated stopping places (NSPs), as they are known in law, specifically for travellers.

But work will be carried out to identify suitable land should the action plan be agreed.

Tory Safer and stronger communities official, Councillor Dave Downie, who will present the new policy to colleagues for approval on November 28, said: "Last summer, we saw a number of unauthorised encampments cause distress for residents in several areas of the city and we are keen to ensure that this is not repeated in the future.

"In the past, the problem has always been that we have not had anywhere to move travellers on to, which has meant that with one eviction comes another encampment elsewhere.

"I think these plans are a really positive step, both for the residents of Plymouth and the Gypsy, Roma and Travellers community and I look forward to hearing feedback on our ideas."

Travellers crackdown: How would it work?

Travellers at Prince Rock playing fields

The creation of the TSPs and the NSPs, would allow for PSPOs that forbid the parking of caravans and overnight sleeping to be placed on several green sites across the city.

Once they are in place, any unauthorised encampment could then immediately be moved on by the police, providing that there is space in one of the new TSPs.

Should the policy be approved, work will begin on identifying suitable sites.

Cornwall Council carried out work in September to consider rolling out emergency stopping places that provided toilet facilities, temporary water supplies, waste facilities and a secure space in the short term for travellers.

The proposed TSPs would allow an encampment to stay in one place for a short period without fear of eviction or legal action whilst providing an alternative to occupying council land elsewhere in the city.

Negotiated stopping places (NSPs), sites for encampments only staying for a few days, are also part of the plans.

Should the policy be approved, work will begin on identifying suitable sites.

Currently, the council chooses to remove unauthorised encampments from public land through the County Court system.

The new proposals, the council says, are designed to meet the need of travellers, in a 'planned and engaging way' to reduce the number of encampments that cause 'anxiety, disruption and tensions' amongst the community.

2017: The year of the travellers

All corners of the Staddiscombe field was affected b travellers this year (Image: Carl Eve)

Scores of travellers visited Plymouth this summer, with travellers in Staddiscombe facing legal action in September after refusing to leave their illegal camp.

The encampment grew to the size of a 'small town' according to local residents since a Notice to Quit was served to it on August 10.

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What can already be done about travellers?

Travellers on Trefusis Park ( known to locals as 'Tippy Park') located in Compton Vale

While it may not be something everyone agrees with, travellers have been a part of British culture for hundreds of years and it is important to recognise that they are a race of people with rights and needs.

Council's across the UK have a duty of care to travelling communities and all have designated areas where groups can stay.

The city council has a permanent home for travellers The Ride near Saltram, in Plympton, where travellers can park caravans and have access to electrical power sockets and water.